Brad Lager: A proactive approach to health care

Thursday

Oct 29, 2009 at 12:01 AMOct 29, 2009 at 7:47 PM

As individuals, there are many things we can do to influence our quality of health, and while we cannot control all of the factors that determine our physical condition, our behavior and our lifestyle choices do have a significant impact on our overall health. Therefore, any meaningful health care reform must address this fundamental understanding.

Brad Lager

Although there are many factors affecting the health of Americans, there are few greater than the importance placed on healthy living.

As individuals, there are many things we can do to influence our quality of health, and while we cannot control all of the factors that determine our physical condition, our behavior and our lifestyle choices do have a significant impact on our overall health. Therefore, any meaningful health care reform must address this fundamental understanding.

Today, the United States spends more money per citizen than any other nation in the world; however, we still rank below many countries in several key health indicators. One reason for our poor ranking is the fact that our current health care system is reactive instead of proactive. Any comprehensive long-term solution must also address this fallacy and begin developing a proactive approach to health care in America.

The surest way to reduce the cost of reactionary medical expenditures is to never have to use them. Through healthy lifestyle choices we can reduce our risk of developing many of the most serious health conditions.

Unfortunately, current studies show that Missourians are not modifying their behavior as quickly as residents in other states, and as a result, unhealthy behaviors continue to impact our health status. We must begin working to reverse this trend and we must work extra hard to help Missouri’s youth develop the positive habits that give them the best chance of enjoying a long and healthy life.

Promoting good health is important for improving the lives of our citizens. Individuals who maintain healthy habits are less likely to need more costly health care in the future. These savings can then be used to help those with the greatest needs who cannot help themselves without bankrupting our state budget. Working responsibly and proactively, we can change the harmful trends, reduce excessive cost, and enhance the lives of all Missourians.